Sviyazhsk

This gorgeous island is located at the confluence of the Volga and Sviyaga Rivers and is readily accessible. Even though a road connects Sviyazhsk to the rural outskirts of Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, Russia, it is still regarded as an island. The citadel was created as a military bastion in the mid-16th century by none other than Tsar Ivan the Terrible.

The castle was dubbed "conqueror city" because it defeated the Khanate of Kazan, the strongest power of the time. However, by the 17th century, it had lost most of its prominence. In Sviyazhsk, many monasteries were established, and culture, trade, and crafts flourished.

In Sviyazhsk, there is a school and a club, as well as a monastery named after Macarius of Unzha. The railway station of Sviyazhsk is located 6 kilometers west of the island and is connected to Sviyazhsk town by a causeway.

Location: Tatarstan, Russia